MORE than 2,000 registered sex offenders are living in Hampshire, new figures reveal.

Police forces, probation services and other government agencies keep tabs on dangerous criminals living in communities in England and Wales using special management plans known as Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements.

Ministry of Justice figures show 2,143 registered sex offenders were being managed under MAPPA in the Hampshire Police area as of March this year.

That is a rate of 121 offenders for every 100,000 people, above the average for England and Wales, of 119.

Sex offenders sentenced to at least 30 months in prison remain on the register indefinitely – although some can apply to be removed after 15 years, following a change to the law in 2012.

The vast majority in Hampshire are classed as level one offenders, which means police and other agencies share information about them, but no special measures are required.

The figures also show that 493 violent offenders – those who have committed crimes such as murder, kidnapping and grievous bodily harm – were living in Hampshire in March.

But this could also include other sexual offenders who are not required to be on the register.

Abigail Gill, policy and public affairs manager at the NSPCC, said: “It’s vital the system is able to manage and monitor these offenders in the community to rehabilitate them and ensure children and young people are protected.

“Sexual abuse has an absolutely devastating impact on young lives and this strategy must focus on prevention and put the experiences and needs of children at its heart.”

In response, the Government said the national strategy will be published before the end of the year.

A MoJ spokesman said: “We are increasing prison time for the most dangerous sex offenders and when they are released they go on the sex offender register and can be brought back to jail if they break their strict license conditions.”